Accreditation 2013: Will Ball State pass the test?

After months of work by seven campuswide committees, Ball State University's draft self-study report for institutional accreditation is now available for public review and comment at www.bsu.edu/accreditation.

Campus and community participation is essential to the university's efforts to secure continuing accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for another 10 years. Ball State faculty, staff, students, and alumni and members of the Muncie community are encouraged to review the self-study report at Ball State's accreditation website and then share their thoughts about the findings that impact them. Feedback can be provided through the website until Nov. 21 or at the following campus and community forums:

For those who cannot attend in person, each forum will also be webcast, and viewers will be able to submit comments or questions during the forums.

About the ReportBall State's draft self-study report critically examines the university's successes, and in some cases shortcomings, in meeting the five broad criteria and 21 specific core components for excellence, accountability and improvement established by the Higher Learning Commission. Those criteria address:

university mission as a guide for operations

integrity in the form of ethical and responsible conduct

quality programs, resources and support for teaching and learning

assessment and improvement of teaching and learning

institutional resources, planning and effectiveness

Related issues include:

student retention and graduation

effective faculty and staff

collaborative governance

integrated planning

attention to diversity

commitment to the public good

freedom of expression and pursuit of truth

responsible use of knowledge

enhanced educational environment

About AccreditationBall State has been accredited since 1925 and received its most recent 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in 2004. Continuing accreditation will validate the quality of Ball State's programs, help the university plan for improvement and enhance the value of a Ball State degree.

The final self-study report will be submitted to the commission next spring, and a peer review team will visit the campus in October 2013. For more information about the accreditation process, visit www.bsu.edu/accreditation, e-mail HLC2013@bsu.edu or call 765-285-3716.